Impulse sealing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided that includes a base portion which has a planer top surface and a bottom half of a heating element pair that sits flush with the planer top surface and a top half of the heating element pair hinged to the base so that the heating element pair may be moved between a first open position and a second closed position in which the heating element pair contact each other to apply heat to a plastic film

The present invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for packaging of a product, and more particularly an apparatus and corresponding method for heat sealing products within a plastic film.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic containers are commonly used for packaging food and other items. Packaging products in generally entails placing the product in a container, such as plastic film having at least one open end and, in the case of the plastic film, heat sealing the open end to contain the product within the container. Manual heat sealers are readily available, but they provide little control with regard to situating and maintaining the product within the container. As a result, this process is not useful for packaging collectibles, such as collector cards or other items that may be damages by movement within the container. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for packaging products within plastic film containers that are not so limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sealing plastic film containers according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the planer surface of the apparatus for sealing plastic film containers according to at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application generally provides an apparatus for sealing products within plastic film containers that overcome one or more of the limitations of prior devices. Referring to FIG. 1 , the apparatus 100 for sealing products within plastic film containers generally includes a base portion 102, which has a planer top surface 108. Preferably, the apparatus includes a bottom half 106 of a heating element pair that sits flush with the planer top surface 108 and a top half 104 of the heating element pair hinged to the base 102 so that the heating element pair may be moved between a first open position (as shown) and a second closed position in which the heating element pair contact each other (not shown) to apply heat to the plastic film. This allows a user to place a film 112 with the product 114 therein on the planer surface 108 with the top half 104 in the open position, adjust the product as desired, adjust the film 112 on the top surface 108, and finally place the top half 104 of the heating element pair in the second position similar to a guillotine style paper cutter, for the heating element to heat and thereby seal the film 112 at the desired location. Preferably, the apparatus includes a lid 110 hinged to the base 102, which lid 110 that may be disposed between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the lid presses the film and product onto the planer top surface 108 therewith removing any air within the film 112 prior to sealing. The lid 110 may have a crown that when closed forces the air outward in a direction toward the heating element. In this regard, the lid 110 may be sufficiently flexible to straighten under tension when in the closed position. It is believed that this removal of the air will also limit product movement within the film 112. The lid 110 may be transparent or translucent so that when closed, the product 114 and film 112 location may be visually confirmed prior to sealing. Preferably, the lid 110 and top element 104 when both in the closed position may have a “zero” clearance between each other so that the user may seal the film 112 as close to the ends of the product as possible. In this regard, the lid 110 may be transparent/translucent all the way up to the heating element for unobstructed visibility up to the heating element.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the top surface 102 includes one or more guides for aligning the product (card) and/or film on the surface 102 relative to the heating element, as shown. This may include one or more side guides and a backstop, as also shown. These guides may be protrusions extending outward from the planer surface 102 and may be adjustable, as is understood to those skilled in the art. The guides/backstop may be orthogonal and/or parallel to the heating element, giving the user the ability to control the sealing of the packaging for a tight fit between the product and film.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, from a reading of the disclosure, that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a base portion which has a planer top surface and a bottom half of a heating element pair that sits flush with the planer top surface and a top half of the heating element pair hinged to the base so that the heating element pair may be moved between a first open position and a second closed position in which the heating element pair contact each other to apply heat to a plastic film. 